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James Hunt began winning races frequently once Niki Lauda was sidelined with severe injuries. Photo by LAT PHOTOGRAPHIC

Director Ron Howard's upcoming movie “Rush,” chronicling the famous 1976 Formula One World Championship rivalry between drivers Niki Lauda and James Hunt, premieres nationwide on Sept. 27. In anticipation of the release, Autoweek revisits the 1976 F1 season, as it happened. We were on the scene 37 years ago -- for every Grand Prix, every finish, and every gripping turn in between during the Hunt/Lauda saga.

Come back to autoweek.com each weekday leading up to the opening of “Rush,” as we showcase our archived coverage with articles, photos and other special features from that epic season that will prepare you for “Rush.”

Niki Lauda's injuries suffered in a crash at the German Grand Prix left him severely burned and with multiple broken bones, but within a week he was already on the road to recovery. However, James Hunt was able to seize this unfortunate opportunity and start winning races without Lauda in the field.